NFL News & Rumors: Tuesday 2/19

Bears

• The Bears could approach DE Julius Peppers about restructuring his current deal to lower his $16.3 million cap figure. (NFLTR)
  

Bengals

• Josh Brown appears to have the “edge” over Mike Nugent in regards to being re-signed as the Bengals kicker next season.  (Cincinnati Enquirer)
  

Bills

• Bills are expected to start discussions with free agent FS Jairus Byrd regarding a long-term contract extension at the NFL Scouting Combine. (Associated Press)

Broncos

• RB Willis McGahee’s roster spot could be in jeopardy due to age, injury concerns and his $2.5 million salary. (Denver Post)
• LT Ryan Clady says his rehab from shoulder surgery will likely be a five-to-six month process. (Josina Anderson)

Buccaneers

• Buccaneers DE Da’Quan Bowers “certainly improves the bargaining leverage” of impending free agent DE Michael Bennett. (Ira Kaufman)
  
• DE Da’Quan Bowers’ lawyer mentioned that he expects his client to be “fully exonerated” in his airport gun case. (Pro Football Talk)

Cardinals

• CB Greg Toler and RB LaRod Stephens-Howling figure to be among the Cardinals top priorities this offseason.  (AzCardinals.com)

Chiefs

• The Chiefs may end up applying their franchise to WR Dwayne Bowe for a second straight year. (NFLTR)
• Chiefs signed FS Husain Abdullah on Monday.
  

Colts

• The Colts could be an option for free agent CB Sean Smith, as it would allow him to reunite with former Dolphins CB Vontae Davis. (George Bremer)

Cowboys

• The Cowboys could be a potential landing spot for free agent DE Dwight Freeney. (NFLTR)
  

Dolphins

• The Dolphins are not expected to use their franchise tag on free agent CB Sean Smith. (Armando Salguero)
  

Falcons

• TE Tony Gonzalez is reportedly beginning to “waver” on his plans to retire. (NFLTR)
• The Falcons could be a potential landing spot for free agent DE Dwight Freeney. (NFLTR)
  
• WR Harry Douglas could be in for an expanded role in the team’s offense if Tony Gonzalez retires. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Giants

• Giants owner John Mara mentioned that they most likely will not being using their franchise tag this year. (Ian Rapoport)
  

Jets

• The Jets are expected to meet with TE Dustin Keller‘s representatives at the Combine, but he isn’t a candidate for the franchise tag. (Rich Cimini) 
• Jets released ILB Bart Scott, OT Jason Smith, OLB Calvin Pace, S Eric Smith and TE Josh Baker. (NFLTR)

Lions

• The Lions would reportedly like to re-sign free agent FS Louis Delmas to a short-term contract. (NFLTR)

Packers

• Restricted free agent Evan Dietrich-Smith is expect to be the team’s starting center in 2013. (Green Bay Press-Gazette)
  

Panthers

• HC Ron Rivera would say whether or not RB DeAngelo Williams could be a cap casualty this offseason. (Charlotte Observer)
  

Raiders

• TE Brandon Myers should be a good fit in new OC Greg Olson’s offensive scheme. (ESPN.com)
  

Rams

• Rams HC Jeff Fisher mentioned that he would “love” Steven Jackson to finish his career in St. Louis. (Sports Radio Interviews)

Ravens

• The Ravens and free agent QB Joe Flacco are expected maintain a “regular dialogue” leading up the March 4 deadline to apply the franchise tag. (CBSSports.com)
  

Redskins

• Robert Griffin III tweets that “although my goal is to start Week 1, that doesn’t mean I will compromise my career to do so.”  (Robert Griffin III)
• WR Pierre Garcon will reportedly not be in need of foot surgery this offseason. (Washington Examiner)

Saints

• The Saints released TE David Thomas and waived CB Johnny Patrick. (Larry Holder)

Seahawks

• K Steven Hauschka was mentioned as the most likely candidate for the Seahawks’  franchise tag.  (710 ESPN Seattle)
  

Texans

• ILB Brian Cushing estimates he’s a week away from running.  (Nick Scurfield)
  

Vikings

• There’s a chance that WR Percy Harvin could hold out of the first 10 games of the season. (St. Paul Pioneer Press)
  
• The Seahawks, Patriots, Jaguars, Dolphins and 49ers are listed as potential landing spots for WR Percy Harvin (St. Paul Pioneer Press)
• Impending free agent G Geoff Schwartz has no intention of signing on as a backup. (Minneapolis Star-Tribune)
• FB Jerome Felton will “almost certainly be re-signed.” (Minneapolis Star-Tribune)
• Vikings are expected to cut ties with WR Devin Aromashodu. (Minneapolis Star-Tribune)